Gynaecology Procedure Unit

The Gynaecology Procedure Unit provides first trimester termination of pregnancy (8-13 weeks) and assessment for second trimester pregnancy.

The service is available for women from the Canterbury DHB area and also accepts referrals from South Canterbury and West Coast DHBs.

Appointments

Women can contact the Gynaecology Procedure Unit (previously known as ‘Lyndhurst’) directly for an appointment for pre-decision counselling. If a woman has already made a decision, she first needs to see her GP or consultant gynaecologist for a referral appointment.

The referral form may be sent via fax, post or taken by the woman herself to the initial appointment.

The purpose of the initial appointment is to see the first certifying doctor and medical assessment. Counselling is available for all women.

If legal and medical criteria are met, a second appointment is given to see the second certifying consultant and have the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, women should expect to remain at the Gynaecology Procedure Unit for 5-6 hours.

Referral Information

The following information is required from the referrer:

New Zealand residency

Contact phone number

Parity and gravida

Previous termination of pregnancy

LMP

Pelvic exam findings

Investigations (HVS, chlamydia, antenatal bloods)

History and indications

Contraception use at time of conception

Recommended follow-up contraception

MRSA risk assessment

Certification

The certification process is provided by the doctors in the clinic. Two certifications are required and both must be signed prior to proceeding with the termination of pregnancy.

Counselling

Counselling services are focused on supporting women with their decision. It is a professional, confidential and free service.

Routine counselling sessions are available to all women providing time for discussion of options, procedures, anxieties.

Pre-decision counselling is also offered when a woman in unsure of her decision. A pre-decision booking does not require a GP or consultant gynaecologist referral, but if a decision is made to request a termination, a woman will need to return to her GP (or consultant gynaecologist) to obtain a referral.

Appointments for counselling sessions can be made at any time by contacting the Gynaecology Procedure Unit (03) 378-6386.

DHB Responsibilities

All District Health Boards are required to provide termination of pregnancy services “for those women who meet the criteria provided by the Crimes Act 1961 and the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977” (see Ministry of Health). However they may not necessarily provide the services themselves. The information provided on this site is the best available to date for CDHB. Content will be updated as further information is obtained.